Baby swaddle support system and method

ABSTRACT

The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and apparatuses for swaddling a baby in a safe and secure manner. The system may include a blanket and a corresponding swaddle support. Embodiments of the swaddle support are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to systems, methods and devices for swaddling or securing an infant or baby.

New born babies benefit from proper and safe swaddling whereby their limbs are confined in order to prevent spontaneous movement, which can startle babies. Swaddling has been used for thousands of years in order to provide babies with a secure and safe feeling.

Infants and babies are not as adaptable to temperature changes as older children or adults are because their body surface is about three times greater than that of an adult's body surface, as compared to the weight of the infant's or baby's body. Accordingly, infants and babies tend to lose heat quickly as compared to older children and adults. The heat loss may occur as much as four times more rapidly than older children and adults.

Infants and babies that are cold-stressed use energy and oxygen to help them generate heat. When the infant's skin temperatures drops by only one degree from the ideal of 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit (about 36.5° C.), then the infant's oxygen use rises sharply and can increase by about ten percent. Thus, maintaining an infant's body temperature at optimal temperatures allows them to conserve energy and build up needed reserves for healthy growth.

Swaddling may be used to assist in maintaining an infant's body temperature at an optimal temperature. Swaddling is a practice of tightly bundling or snugly wrapping an infant in a blanket for warmth, security and protection. Swaddling is known to help soothe an infant and also helps the infant from being disturbed or otherwise startled by its own startle reflex.

Some swaddling methods and devices can be overly complicated and difficult to employ or set up. What is needed are devices, methods, and systems that are efficient at swaddling babies, and that are not difficult or overly complicated to use, especially when swaddling a new born that may be sleeping. As will be seen, the disclosure provides such devices, methods, and systems that can provide for baby swaddling in an effective and elegant manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive implementations of the disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Advantages of the disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 illustrates a baby swaddle system, wherein the system comprises a blanket and a corresponding swaddle support in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a swaddle support in an un-deployed state in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of an embodiment of a swaddle support in an un-deployed state in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a swaddle support in a deployed state in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a swaddle support in an un-deployed state having snap fasteners in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a swaddle support in an un-deployed state having tie fasteners in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a baby swaddle support, wherein dimensions for an embodiment are specified in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a baby swaddle system comprising a blanket and a corresponding swaddle support in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of swaddling an infant using a blanket and a swaddling support in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and apparatuses for swaddling an infant or baby in a safe and secure manner. In the following description of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations in which the disclosure is may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a baby swaddle system comprising a blanket and a corresponding swaddle support are illustrated in accordance with the principles and teachings of the disclosure. An embodiment of a swaddle support will be discussed in relation to FIG. 1. As can be seen in the figure, a baby 100 having a head 102, a torso 104, and legs 106 is swaddled in a blanket 108 that is held in place and secured with a detachable swaddle support 110. The swaddle support 110 may comprise one or more swaddling fasteners 103 that hold the swaddle support 110 in a tensioned state around the baby 100, thereby securing and holding the blanket 108 in position. In the embodiment illustrated, the swaddle support 110 is illustrated as having two swaddling fasteners 103. It will be appreciated that more or less swaddling fasteners may be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate the front side and back side of an embodiment of a swaddle support 200 in an un-deployed state, respectively. It will be appreciated that the front side is denoted as the side that is closest or nearest to the baby's skin. As seen in the figures, a baby swaddle support 200 may comprise a body portion 205 made of an elastic material that is configured to support and hold an infant's torso therein in a state of tension, wherein the body portion 205 comprises a first lengthwise opposing end 207 and second lengthwise opposing end 209. The first and second opposing ends 207, 209 may comprise notches 211 and 213, respectively, so as to form two tabs 215 on each of the opposing ends 207, 209. In the embodiment, the swaddle support body portion 205 may be made of neoprene. The first and second opposing ends 207, 209 may each comprise a plurality of notches forming a plurality of tabs

The swaddle support 200 may further comprise fasteners 203 disposed in each of the tabs 215 such that the fasteners disposed at the first opposing end 207 correspond to the fasteners 203 disposed at the second opposing end 209 such that the opposing ends 207, 209 can be brought together around an infant's torso and fastened with the correspond fasteners 203. It will be appreciated that it in the neoprene embodiment, the neoprene may comprise a surface capable of receiving and attaching to a hooked portion of a hook and loop type fastener, such as VelcroTM. Other types of fasteners may be used, such as snaps, magnets, ties, strap and buckles, and the like without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

It should be noted by those skilled in the art that modified fasteners 203 may be used, for example, in an embodiment where the fasteners 203 used may attach directly to the material of the body portion 205 of the swaddle support 200. It should also be noted that any pliable material may be used as the swaddle support 200, which allows the swaddle support to be wrapped around the baby and hold a blanket in a swaddle position. For example, the different types of material making up all or portions of the baby swaddle body 205 may be cotton, hemp, denim, rayon, Lycra™, and the like without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In the present embodiment, the swaddle support 200 may vary in size and, as such, the size of the notches 211 and 213 may vary proportionally in size. Additionally, the notches 211 and 213 provide relief for the arms of the baby being swaddled. It will be appreciated by those in the art, that the notches allow the swaddle support 200 to be tightened without over tightening the infant's arms. The notches 211 and 213 may allow for the wrap to secure the baby below the waist and above the waist separately and independently thereby, keeping it from riding up or down. In the present embodiment, the hook and loop fasteners allow the wrap to be secured as tight as needed to prevent the baby's arms from moving significantly, which may cause a sleeping baby to wake-up or be subject to the startle reflex.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a swaddle support 400 in a deployed state. As seen in the figure, a baby swaddle support 400 may comprise a body portion 405 made of an elastic material that is configured to support and hold an infant's torso therein in a state of tension. The body portion 405 may comprise a first lengthwise opposing end 407 and second lengthwise opposing end 409, wherein the first and second opposing ends 407, 409 may each comprise one or more notches 411, 413, respectively, so as to form two or more tabs 415 on each of the opposing ends 407, 409.

It will be appreciated that the tabs 415 on each of the opposing ends may be sized and shaped uniformly, meaning that the notches 411, 413 are also uniformly shaped. Alternatively, the tabs 415 may be sized and shaped differently, meaning that the notches 411, 413 may also be sized and shaped differently, to allow for different fitment for different shapes and sizes of infants. For example, tab 415a and tab 415b may both be located on the same opposing end, such as the first opposing end 407, but those tabs may be sized and shaped differently from each other. In such an embodiment, tab 415a may be larger or smaller (in length and/or width) than tab 415b because tab 415a may be used to secure the infant's arms either across his/her chest or in another position that requires either additional material or perhaps a larger surface area to provide greater contact with the infant; or less material to have a smaller surface area to provide less contact with the infant. Similarly, the fasteners 403 may also be sized and shaped differently for similar reasons and to adjust how tight and snug the swaddle support 400 may be secured.

The swaddle support 400 may further comprise fasteners 403 disposed on or in each of the tabs 415, such that the opposing ends 407, 409 can be brought together around an infant's torso and fastened with the fasteners 403. As illustrated in the figure, the embodiment may comprise fasteners 403 that attach directly to the material of the body portion 405.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a swaddle support 500 in an un-deployed state having snap fasteners 503 and 504. As seen in the figure, a baby swaddle support 500 may comprise a body portion 505 made of an elastic material that is configured to support and hold an infant's torso therein in a state of tension. The body portion 505 may comprise a first lengthwise opposing end 507 and second lengthwise opposing end 509. The first and second opposing ends 507, 509 may each comprise notches 511, 513, respectively, so as to form two tabs 515 on each of the opposing ends 507, 509. The swaddle support 500 may further comprise a plurality of fasteners 503 disposed on or in each of the tabs 515, such that the opposing ends 507, 509 can be brought together around an infant's torso and fastened with the plurality of fasteners 503. As illustrated in the figure, the plurality of fasteners 503 may be snap fasteners, wherein a male snap fastener 503 corresponds to a female snap fastener 504 disposed on an opposing end.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a swaddle support 600 in an un-deployed state having a plurality of tie fasteners 603. As seen in the figure, a baby swaddle support 600 may comprise a body portion 605 made of an elastic material that is configured to support and hold an infant's torso therein in a state of tension. The body portion 605 may comprise a first lengthwise opposing end 607 and second lengthwise opposing end 609. The first and second opposing ends 607, 609 may comprise notches 611, 613, respectively, so as to form two tabs 615 on each of the opposing ends 607, 609. The swaddle support 600 may further comprise a plurality of fasteners 603 disposed on or in each of the tabs 615, such that the opposing ends 607, 609 can be brought together around an infant's torso and fastened with the plurality of fasteners 603. As illustrated in the figure, the plurality of fasteners 603 may be tie fasteners, wherein the fasteners may be tied together.

FIG. 7 illustrates a baby swaddle support 700, wherein the dimensions for an embodiment of the baby swaddle support 700 are illustrated. As illustrated, the swaddle support 700 may comprise a body portion 705 made of an elastic material that is configured to support and hold an infant's torso therein in a state of tension. The body portion 705 may comprise a first lengthwise opposing end 707 and second lengthwise opposing end 709. The swaddle support 700 may have an overall length that is measured from the terminal portion of each of the opposing ends 707 and 709, wherein the length is about 20.5 inches. It will be appreciated that the length of the swaddle support may be between a range of about 14.5 inches to about 26.5 inches without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Additionally, the first and second opposing ends 707, 709 may comprise notches 711, 713, respectively. The notches may be about six inches deep and may form two tabs 715 on each of the opposing ends 707, 709. It will be appreciated that the notches 711, 713 may be between a range of about three inches to about nine inches deep without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, each of the tabs 715 has a first portion 715 a and a second portion 715 b that may be defined by the notch 711 or 713 from a vertex 711 a or 713 a of the notch 711 or 713 on one end to the terminal end of the tab on the other (or entrance into the notch). The first portion 715 a of the tab 715 may be wider than the second portion 715 b or the tab 715. Further, it will be appreciated that the second portion may be about 3 inches wide. It will be appreciated that the second portion 715 b of the tabs 715 may be between a range of about 1.5 inches to about 4.5 inches wide without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In the embodiment, the swaddle support body portion 705 may be nine inches wide. It will be appreciated that the body portion 705 may be between a range of about 6 inches to about 12 inches wide without departing from the scope of the disclosure. It should be noted by those of skill in the art, that a body portion 705 made of neoprene will cause the tabs 715 to stretch proportionately more than the body portion 705 at its full width. As can be seen in the figure, the notches 711, 713 may comprise a slop of one inch over six inches, thereby controlling the tension that is applied to an infant by the tabs 715. In the embodiment, the body portion 705 comprises a full width and full material will have a length that is about 8.5 inches, such that there is about 8.5 inches between notch vertices.

The swaddle support 700 may further comprise a plurality of extending and non-extending fasteners 703 and 704, respectively, disposed on the tabs 715. The extending fasteners 703 may be disposed at the first opposing end 707 and may correspond with the non-extending fasteners 704 that may be disposed at the second opposing end 709, such that the opposing ends 707, 709 can be brought together around an infant's torso and fastened. In the present embodiment, the fasteners 703 may extend 2.5 inches out from the tabs 715. Accordingly, non-extending fasteners 704 corresponding to extending fasteners 703 may also have a length of 2.5 inches. It will be appreciated that the fasteners may be between a range of about 1.0 inch to about 4.0 inches in length without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

It will be appreciated that other types of fasteners may also be used other than those previously disclosed, including but not limited to snaps, magnets, ties, strap and buckles, and the like without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

It should be noted that, to those skilled in the art that modified fasteners may be used, for example, in an embodiment the fasteners used may attach directly to the material of the body portion 705. It should also be noted that any pliable material may be used for the swaddle support 700 that allows the item to be wrapped around the baby and hold a blanket in position. For example, the different types of material making up all or portions of the baby swaddle, including the body, may be cotton, hemp, denim, rayon, Lycra™, and the like without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In the present embodiment, the swaddle support 700 may vary in size and as such the size of the notches 711 and 713 may vary proportionally in size. For example, if the total length of the swaddle support 700 ranges in size from 14.5 inches to 26.5 inches, then the notches 711 and 713 will be proportionate. The tabs 715 may range in length between about four inches to about eight inches. It will be appreciated by those in the art, that the notches allow the swaddle support 700 to be tightened without over tightening the infant's arms.

FIG. 8 illustrates a baby swaddle system 800 wherein the system comprises a blanket 802 and a corresponding swaddle support 801. In an embodiment, the swaddle support 801 may be configured to be detachably attached to the blanket 802. In an embodiment, the swaddle support 801 may be configured to be directly attached to the blanket 802. In either embodiment, and as illustrated, the swaddle support 801 may comprise a body portion 805 made of an elastic material that is configured to support and hold an infant's torso therein in a state of tension. The body portion 805 may comprise a first lengthwise opposing end 807 and second lengthwise opposing end 809. The first and second opposing ends 807, 809 may comprise notches 811, 813, respectively, so as to form two tabs 815 on each of the opposing ends 807, 809. In the embodiment, the swaddle support body portion 805 may be made of neoprene wherein the neoprene may comprise a surface capable of receiving and attaching to the hooked portion of a hook and loop type fastener, such as Velcro™.

The swaddle support may further comprise a plurality of fasteners 803 disposed on or in each of the tabs 815, such that the fasteners 803 disposed at the first opposing end 807 correspond to the fasteners 803 disposed at the second opposing end 809, such that the opposing ends 807, 809 can be brought together around an infant's torso and fastened with the corresponding fasteners 803. Other types of fasteners may be used, such as snaps, magnets, ties, strap and buckles, and the like without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a method of swaddling an infant using a blanket and a swaddling support. The method may comprise the following and may utilize a swaddle support having the features disclosed in any one embodiment or a combination of elements and features disclosed herein in any given embodiment.

Laying a blanket on a flat surface, such that the blanket is in a diamond formation with respect to the placement of the infant at 910. At 920, folding down a top corner of the blanket about four to eight inches to form a straight edge. At 930, placing an infant on his/her back so that the top of the blanket is at shoulder level. At 940, one of the infant's arms is pulled down. At 950, pulling the corner of the blanket nearest the arm that has been pulled down over the infant's arm and chest. At 960, the leading edge of the blanket that has been pulled over the chest is tucked under the infant's back on the opposite side of the infant. At 970, the opposite arm is brought down and the corner of the blanket nearest that arm is pulled over the arm and chest. At 980, the blanket is tucked under the opposite side of the infant. At 990, the bottom end of the blanket is twisted or folded, then tucked loosely behind the infant such that both legs are bent up and out from the infant's body. At 1000, the swaddled infant is placed on the front side of a swaddle support. At 1010, a first tab of the swaddle support is brought across the arm and chest area of the infant. At 1020, a fastener located at one opposing end is fastened to a corresponding fastener located on the opposite opposing end of the swaddle support. At 1030, a second tab of the swaddle support is brought across the infant just below the waist area. At 1040, a fastener located at one opposing end is fastened to a corresponding fastener located on the opposite opposing end of the swaddle support.

It should be noted that, to those skilled in the art that modified fasteners 803 may be used, for example, in an embodiment the fasteners used may attach directly to the material of the body portion 805. It should also be noted that any pliable material may be used which allows item to be wrapped around the baby and hold a blanket in position. For example, the different types of material making up all or portions of the baby swaddle body may be cotton, hemp, denim, rayon, Lycra™, and the like without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In the present embodiment, the swaddle support 800 may vary in size and as such the size of the notches 811 and 813 may vary proportionally in size. Additionally, the notches 811 and 813 provide relief for the arms of the baby being swaddled. It will be appreciated by those in the art, that the notches allow the swaddle support 800 to be tightened without over tightening the infant's arms.

The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of the aforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any combination desired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.

Further, although specific implementations of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the disclosure is to be defined by the claims appended hereto, any future claims submitted here and in different applications, and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A baby swaddle support comprising: a body portion made of an elastic material that is configured to support and hold an infant's torso therein in a state of tension, wherein the body portion comprises a first lengthwise opposing end and a second lengthwise opposing end; wherein the first opposing end and the second opposing end are notched so as to form two tabs on each of said first opposing end and said second opposing end; a plurality of fasteners disposed on each of the tabs, such that the plurality of fasteners disposed at the first opposing end correspond to the fasteners disposed at the second opposing end, such that the first opposing end and the second opposing end can be brought together around the infant's torso and fastened with the correspond fasteners.
 2. The baby swaddle support of claim 1, wherein the notches are configured to provide tension relief for infant arms.
 3. The baby swaddle support of claim 2, wherein the notches extend into the body portion about 6 inches from both the first opposing end and the second opposing end.
 4. The baby swaddle support of claim 1, wherein the body portion is made of neoprene.
 5. The baby swaddle support of claim 1, wherein the fasteners are hook and loop fasteners.
 6. The baby swaddle support of claim 1, wherein the fasteners are snap fasteners.
 7. The baby swaddle support of claim 1, wherein the fasteners are tie fasteners.
 8. The baby swaddle support of claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises a length of about 20.5 inches.
 9. The baby swaddle support of claim 8, wherein there is about 8.5 inches between notch vertices.
 10. The baby swaddle support of claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises a width of about 9 inches.
 11. The baby swaddle support of claim 1, wherein each of the tabs has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is wider than the second portion; and wherein the second portion is about 3 inches wide.
 12. The baby swaddle support of claim 1, wherein at least one of the fasteners extends out from the tab to which it is attached.
 13. The baby swaddle support of claim 1, wherein at least one of the fasteners is disposed entirely within a tab.
 14. A baby swaddle system comprising: a blanket that is configured to wrap an infant; a swaddle support comprising: a body portion made of an elastic material that is configured to support and hold an infant's torso therein in a state of tension, wherein the body portion comprises a first lengthwise opposing end and a second lengthwise opposing end; wherein the first opposing end and the second opposing end are notched so as to form two tabs on each of said first opposing end and said second opposing end; a plurality of fasteners disposed on each of the tabs, such that the plurality of fasteners disposed at the first opposing end correspond to the fasteners disposed at the second opposing end, such that the first opposing end and the second opposing end can be brought together around the infant's torso and fastened with the correspond fasteners; wherein the baby swaddle support is configured to be placed over the blanket and hold the blanket in a tight swaddling configuration about the infant.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the baby swaddle support is configured to be detachably attached to the blanket.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the notches are configured to provide tension relief for infant arms.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the notches extend into the body portion about 6 inches from both the first opposing end and the second opposing end.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the body portion is made of neoprene.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein the fasteners are hook and loop fasteners.
 20. The system of claim 14, wherein the fasteners are snap fasteners.
 21. The system of claim 14, wherein the fasteners are tie fasteners.
 22. The system of claim 14, wherein the body portion comprises a length of about 20.5 inches.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein there is about 8.5 inches between notch vertices.
 24. The system of claim 14, wherein the body portion comprises a width of about 9 inches.
 25. The system of claim 14, wherein each of the tabs has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is wider than the second portion; and wherein the second portion is about 3 inches wide.
 26. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the fasteners extends out from the tab to which it is attached.
 27. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the fasteners is disposed entirely within a tab. 